Fresh violence has erupted between the Egba and Ologba communities in Agatu Local Government Area of Benue State over ownership of the Ochulo fishing pond, leading to the loss of several lives.
The latest clash occurred despite the fact that the long-standing dispute is currently before a court of law. It also happened while representatives of both communities were in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, engaging in dialogue aimed at reaching a peaceful resolution.
The conflict over control of the Ochulo fish pond dates back to 1972. Since then, it is estimated that more than 2,800 lives have been lost in recurrent violent confrontations linked to the dispute.
A new and troubling dimension to the conflict is the involvement of neighbouring communities, whose residents now openly take sides and join their preferred factions during clashes, thereby escalating the violence.
It was also gathered that the current Chairman of Agatu Local Government Council, Melvin James Ejeh has initiated about ten different peace overtures, all of which have so far failed to yield lasting peace.
Reacting to the situation, a concerned social commentator has called on Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, to urgently establish a permanent government institution or security presence along the disputed boundary to forestall further violence.
Agatu Local Government Area, which is largely an aquatic environment located in the lowlands of the Benue River Basin, has previously been an epicentre of violent clashes between armed herdsmen and indigenous communities over grazing routes and farmlands.
There are growing fears that the renewed internal conflict could expose the area to fresh attacks by marauding herdsmen and other criminal elements, further worsening the security situation in the region.
